The "What did you do to your Ranger today" thread

Couldn't you just put some rubber feet on the part that sits over the roof? While it would still wouldn't hold the weight that the back portion does it would keep it from bouncing and possibly bending.

That was my thought, if I don't end up cutting the front section back. I just don't want the feet to make contact and rub the paint down. I think I would make them so they sit off the cab about 1/4" to 1/2" away from contact, so they would be "in case of extreme bouncing only" safeguards. Still letting my brain chew on the setup and solution for a while.
...actually, what I will most likely end up doing is installing rails from some junkyard vehicle on top of the cab and mount a basket up there, and cut the current rack back to just cover the topper. Another forum member, UltraHDGames iirc, did this with Explorer rails and it looks great. He used bolts through holes drilled in the cab roof with washers and nuts and silicone sealant - scary, but doable.

Last edited by Peesaschmidt; 09-11-2018 at 03:34 PM.
Reason: More thoughts

Built and mounted a roof rack to the ARE Topper - not "today" but recently. I know there are a lot of....

TODAY, I updated 2 of 6 towers for the rack. I found boat trailer bow bumpers and cut them down to the correct size. I think they'll be more aerodynamic, but mostly they just look cleaner. And they were cheaper than the coil spring spacers I originally used. Plus, added bonus, they already have a ˝" hole in them.
Next: swap the other 4 towers to match.

TODAY, I updated 2 of 6 towers for the rack. I found boat trailer bow bumpers and cut them down to the correct size. I think they'll be more aerodynamic, but mostly they just look cleaner. And they were cheaper than the coil spring spacers I originally used. Plus, added bonus, they already have a ˝" hole in them.
Next: swap the other 4 towers to match.

Finished up doing both front wheel bearing hub assemblies today. They were really bad, but all is well now.

I have a 99, so it has a retainer clip instead of the axle nut. I could only find one video showing how to get it out. I figured that the best way to do it is to use a screwdriver to remove the spring that sits in front of it, then snap ring pliers to get the clip out. Putting it back in, it was more feasible to put the spring on the clip, then put the whole thing back in over the cv axle end.

Decided to give the blinker mod a try. Worked great on the driver side. Pooped my pants for a minute on the passenger side when the side light was not working .Checked the circuit with a meter and it has juice. Looked closer at the bulb - it is dead. Might have been that way for a while, actually. I did not check it before starting the mod. Should just be a simple bulb replacement....(right?)

One day after several short stops running errands my wife got in to start it and nothing! No clicks no sound just dash lights and that was it when turning the ignition. Prior to this there were no sign of slow cranking or abnormal sounds when engaging the starter. Had AAA come out (because I was no where near to help) and verified that the battery was good. The AAA guy tapped on the starter and it started right away. Got home and it started every-time for 4 more days with no issues BUT, I knew that it was time so I ordered a replacement. It did not start again in my drive way a couple or more times while waiting for the replacement to show up over the next 2 days and several trips (as I carried a small hammer just in case). The part number I ordered and was the exact direct fit is = SA859RM

I hope this helps answer your question and help anyone else that may run into the same situation.

Last edited by HT08; 11-21-2018 at 10:07 AM.
Reason: Added more information

I replaced the driver side door hinge that prevented me from closing the door all the way unless slammed super hard. Now I need to figure out how to get to those bolts i over tightened because I can't open my door without messing up the door against the side panel.

Update:
Next day, I fixed the door by hanging off of it and being able to clear the panel to open the door. Door now closes way easier and isn't damaging the nader pin as much. Also cleaned the inside of my cab with hydrogen peroxide spray and pine-sol. I regret using pine-sol.

I haven’t done much this week due to some back problems but this month I have swapped out the original wheels for some off of a 2007 mustang, made some custom mesh grille inserts, added a bed cover, upgraded my head lights and tail lights and put some new tires on my lil truck.......as soon as I am able to move around again I am installing some nerf bars and a bull bar and retinting the windows.Bed cover, 2007 Ford Mustang wheels and polished up the old original paintBigger tires and bllacked out the headlights

Just got back from Alaska (commercial fishing) and need R&R. So, took the truck in to my expert Ranger guy and had him slap in a new timing belt, water pump and housing, crank seal, thermostat, serpentine belt, and lastly (after 25 years) a new radiator. Could have "gotten by" with the old one but it had developed a small leak, so since it was out......

FYI, don't forget to log the miles and date when you throw in a timing belt. I didn't, so I had to "figure" when it was due.